Journalist Ru Martin has explained why one of Manchester City’s best players in recent years suddenly left with little warning.
Pep Guardiola may all be about centre-backs in his new-look Manchester City defence, but for years the manager focussed on full-backs.
After an underwhelming first season in charge, Guardiola moved to rejuvenate his squad and spent over £100m on three of them before then adding Joao Cancelo in 2019.
He arrived from Juventus for £60m in a deal which saw Danilo head to Turin and after a slow start went on to become an incredible signing.
However, he suddenly fell out with Guardiola mid-way through last season and was jettisoned out on loan to Bayern Munich.
Now Cancelo is spending the season on loan at Barcelona and the reason for his unexpected departure has been outlined.
Why Joao Cancelo left Manchester City
Speaking to Goal, Martin said: “We have explained it several times.
“It’s a problem of attitude and behaviour. If there’s one thing Pep can’t stand it’s bad behaviour and being overweight.
“Cancelo’s behaviour was not the right one, although as a footballer he has tremendous quality.
“The same thing happened to him at Valencia. He didn’t leave because he didn’t play badly, he left because even God couldn’t stand him.”
A real shame
City haven’t exactly struggled without Cancelo given they went on to win the treble last year, but it’s still a shame things went sideways.
The Portuguese had developed into one of, if not the, best, full-backs in the Premier League and was particularly outstanding in the 2021/22 season.
Cancelo played 53 times that year, scoring three times and setting up a massive 10 goals.
The 29-year-old was once so integral to how City played but now likely won’t play for the club again.
Cancelo is still contracted with the Blues until 2027, though, so unless someone buys him he could be spending the rest of his peak years out on various loan spells. Too bad.
